Live At Birdland

Lester Young one of the most influential tenor saxophonists in jazz history. This album contains previously unavailable 1950s broadcasts recorded at Birdland, with an array of stellar side-performers. It is our pleasure to pay homage to Prez (Lester Young) with this disc.

Personnel

Lester Young: tenor saxophone
Don Ferrara & Jesse Drakes: trumpet
Horace Silver & Earl Knight: piano
Franklin Skeete & Gene Ramey: bass
Gus Johnson & Lee Abrahams: drums


Track Listing

1.Oh, Lady Be Good2.A Foggy Day3.In a Little Spanish Town4.Lester Leaps In5.Theme: Lullaby of Birdland6.Announcement7.Lester Leaps In8.Announcement9.Polkadots and Moonbeams10.Up 'n Adam11.In a Little Spanish Town / Theme:12.Theme: Lullaby of Birdland13.Announcement14.Three Little Words15.Lester and Announcer Speak16.These Foolish Things17.Announcement18.Blues in G19.Tea for Two

Track 1-7, January 15, 1953
Lester Young: tenor sax, Jesse Jakes: trumpet, Horace Silver: piano, Franklin Skeete: bass, Lee Abrams: drums
Tracks 8-12, August 7, 1956
Lester Young: tenor sax, Don Ferrara: trumpet, Bill Triglia: piano, Gene Ramey: bass, Gus Johnson: drums
Tracks 13-19, August 15, 1956
Same rhythm section as above but with an unknown trumpet player replacing Ferrara.

Credits

Research, compilation, audio transfer & producer: Michael D. Anderson. Digital Restoration: Douglas McGregor. Graphic Design: Peov. Photos provided by The Institute of Jazz Studies.

Press Quotes

"Young has many fine moments on this collection, excelling on both his uptempo "Lester Leaps In" and introspective ballad performances such as "These Foolish Things" and "Polka Dots and Moonbeams."" - Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

"Live at Birdland is a must-own for Prez completists" - Graham L. Flanagan, All About Jazz

Musicians: Lester Young / Don Ferrara & Jesse Drakes / Horace Silver & Earl Knight / Franklin Skeete & Gene Ramey / Gus Johnson & Lee Abrahams